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A Subjective Evaluation of the Minimum Channel Separation for Reproducing Binaural Signals over Loudspeakers

While there are a variety of methods and tradeoffs for creating the necessary crosstalk cancellation when reproducing a binaural signal through loudspeakers in a real environment, there are no studies that reveal the minimum required crosstalk. In the current study the authors simulated varying degrees of crosstalk in order to determine the required threshold. For most audio signals crosstalk should be below –15 dB, and for broadband signals the crosstalk should be below –20 dB. Off-center locations require even lower crosstalk.